Thoughts and Ideas in EDU – Next Gen Education

All of education is undergoing rapid transformation as technology, societal expectations, and the global landscape evolve. The surge in artificial intelligence (AI) tools and data-driven methodologies is reshaping how students learn, teachers instruct, and schools operate. Education practice is evolving—fast. With AI tools and data-driven strategies becoming part of our daily toolkit, the way we teach, learn, and lead is shifting. As these changes accelerate, they invite us to reconsider not just what we teach, but how we see ourselves as educators in this evolving landscape.

I like to think of this as stepping into a new era—one where we pause to reflect and begin to see ourselves as “Learning Engineers”. While that might sound like it connects to my current role, this concept has been close to my heart for years. In fact, I wrote about it in a published article years ago, inspired by my lifelong admiration for Walt Disney and his inventive way of seeing the world. That vision—blending creativity, design, and purpose—feels even more relevant in education today. We’re not just delivering content; we’re designing learning experiences with care and intention. Like engineers, we use our expertise to solve problems, apply data, and build systems that help students thrive in a world that is constantly evolving. This shift in perspective is not just theoretical for me—it’s deeply personal, and it is why I believe we need to take a closer look at how we define our roles as educators today

When I talk about rethinking our role in education, I am not suggesting we add another job title or take on more work—we are already doing so much. And I am certainly not trying to take away from the deep value of being an educator. For me, education is not just a profession—it is part of who I am. But I do believe it is time to reflect on how we approach our work. The idea of becoming a ‘learning engineer’ isn’t about becoming something we are not. It’s about shifting how we design learning—intentionally shaping environments and experiences that help students think critically, adapt, and truly thrive. It is not about doing more; it is about doing things differently to meet the needs of today’s learners.

To truly support our learners today, we need more than just a strong grasp of content or learning theory. We need to understand how to design learning experiences that are grounded in research, shaped by technology, and responsive to the real world. The challenge is that many of us haven’t had the chance to apply these ideas in hands-on, practical ways—especially when it comes to integrating technology like AI. This gap can leave both educators and students feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By rethinking our approach and embracing new tools and strategies, we can create learning environments that feel more relevant, empowering, and future-ready. That is why reimagining our roles through the lens of ‘learning engineers’ is not just a concept—it is a foundational shift to align our practices with the realities of today’s learners and learning environments

Education is social. At the heart of being an educator are the human qualities that AI technologies cannot replicate—our empathy, intuition, and ability to connect deeply with learners. These are the human traits that allow us to understand the needs of our students, build trust, and create meaningful learning experiences. Reimagining how educators see themselves as ‘learning engineers’ with this vision in mind is not only an investment in our teachers but in the future of education itself. Engineers apply scientific principles to solve practical problems related to physical design and constructions, whereas educators apply principles of learning and communication to foster knowledge, critical thinking, and personal development in individuals. While the tools we use, the access to information, and the makeup of our learning communities have all evolved, the way we plan and design education has remained largely the same. It is time to rethink how we are engaging learners and empowering them to take ownership of their learning across all levels of education.

As we look ahead in our journey as Learning Engineers, I look forward to sharing more practical strategies and a framework that I developed to support personalized learning—meeting educators, learners, and systems exactly where they are in their practice and growth. To all the educators and leaders in the world – thank you for all you do.

As a student who struggled early in education, I dedicated my life to understanding how to help others learn. My journey was completely shaped by an incredible 6th-grade teacher who taught me not just to learn, but to reflect on my knowledge and apply it to real life.

Years later, I became a 6th-grade teacher in an urban area of California, facing one of the most challenging classes of my career. My students came from diverse backgrounds, many having already given up on school. I had to reflect on my own journey and think outside of the box to give them a purpose for learning much like me in 6th grade.

💡I realized the importance of connecting their lessons to real-life stories and examples. We explored careers related to our readings, toured local colleges, and welcomed guest speakers who shared their journeys. I wanted my students to see that despite life’s hardships, their education was something they owned and could control. Especially for one particular student in that class dealing with major custody issues. She spent most of the year uncertain about her living situation and worried about who she would be living with next. I dedicated my time that year to helping her see the possibilities of a future.

⌛ Years passed, and I moved away from California. Then one evening, I received several messages from my old school. One of my former students had just graduated with an advanced degree in psychology and was on her way to becoming a counselor to help others. She came back to the school to thank me. It was that same student who needed to see what the future could look like. I cried happy tears that night.

🤗 At the end of the year, that class pooled their money to buy me a charm bracelet with my name, Mickey Mouse charms (because I love Disney), a school bus, an American flag, and an apple. I wear that bracelet every day. Although the charms are mostly faded, it is my reminder of why I do what I do in EDU. If you know me well, you know you have seen this bracelet.

Why it matters⁉️ Education is social. We can NEVER replace the social, human connection of educators. 💥 Do not be afraid of what is around the corner, because you, as the teacher, are unforgettable. 💜

🎯 So embrace the tools, and the technology, that can help you amplify what you do to help others learn.

👉 Pay attention, ask questions, bring your knowledge, experience, and expertise to the forefront and help make learning and education about what it should be – preparing students for their future. This is their future to own. We need to guide them with the best tools🧰 we have in the toolbox, so they have the opportunity to succeed on their own.

💥 As my daughter would say, “We can’t always be the author of the story life hands us, but we need to be able to have a chance to edit our own story”

Category: Thoughts and Ideas in EDU

Learning Engineers

Education Matters 🎉